In my humble opinion, the ultimate Phish performance is the 1st musical costume from Watkins Glen. It had everything, including fairly lofty expectations. The E-Center show is #2, but closely a #1 overall favorite, overall experience & just a magical, amazing show. I literally get goosebumps when I listen to this show. I have been a phan for nearly 20-years, and this show is easily a #1 desert island Phish show.
What makes the DSOTM show so incredible is the element of surprise. What were the fans expecting after a dissapointment in Vegas? Certainly they weren't expecting a full cover of one of the greatest albums ever recorded, right? Trey tells the audience it's coming & why during Harpua (Jimmy went to Vegas but couldn't get tickets, the driver puts on his favorite album...) but I can't imagine that anyone was really expecting the whole album. Listen to the crowd, can you imagine the "NO WAY's!!!" that were being echoed as fans realized what was happening? Think about it, not only did they decide to do a surprise full album cover, but DSOTM?!?! And brilliantly woven into Harpua, so beautiful. This band is so generous & incredible, and this show is one of the best of the many musical gifts that they have given us over the years.
You may not find this show to be the most musically "perfect" but if you can appreciate this show for its experience and significance, you may find your new favorite and most significant Phish show. It just may give you goosebumps too.
In closing... I hope that someone who was at this show can post a review & detail what was like to experience it first-hand.